Mercer County authorities have leads in fatal stabbing

May 21, 2014 11:31 PM

By Jonathan D. Silver / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Mercer County investigators have identified two "persons of interest" -- an unnamed man and woman -- believed to be responsible for killing a local business owner who was stabbed last year more than 70 times.

In a news release Wednesday, the local district attorney, Robert Kochems, touted "significant developments" in the case and said investigators have tied one of the individuals to the crime scene with DNA evidence.

Mr. Kochems did not elaborate.

The district attorney cited statements and other evidence, which was not disclosed, that corroborated the "existence and participation" of a second person in the crime.

Frank Crash, who owned Frank Crash Auto Wrecking, was found dead July 25 in his Hempfield home by his daughter, Pam Higbee. He was 76. Cash and a gold ring with a diamond were believed stolen.

Ms. Higbee declined comment.

Mr. Kochems did not identify the man and woman or indicate which one was tied to the scene with genetic evidence. He did say the woman is serving a "lengthy state prison sentence" and the man "has left the state for the East Coast."

He stopped short of describing the individuals as "suspects."

Mr. Kochems declined to answer any questions or elaborate beyond the news release.

New evidence gathered from the Pittsburgh area was this week sent for testing to the Pennsylvania State Police crime lab, the release said.

Mr. Kochems said he does not believe that Mr. Crash was attacked at random. He said that information "should relieve any concerns in the community that these individuals will commit further crimes in the Greenville area."